Mining-machine.



Patented Feb-9,1915

.e SHEETS-SHEETI.

W w .H. a W. iii i 0MP E? W. P. TROTTERJ MINING MACHINE. v APPLICATION EI D SE21. 12, 1907. RENEWED FEB. 3,1912.

.W. F. TROTTER. mmme MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12, 1907. RENEWED FEB.

s, 1912. Y Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

W. E. TROTTER.

MINING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED SEPT.1 2, 1907. RENEWED FEB. 3, 1912. 1,127,69

' Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

s SHEETS-SHEET 3.

wwwtoz W. P. TROTTER. MINING MACHINE. D SBPT. 12, 19o 7. RENEWED rm. 3, 1912 Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

6 8HEETS-SHEET 4 APPLIOATION k ILE W F. TROTTER.

MINING MACHINE. APPLICATION rum) SEPT.12,1907. RENEWED FEB. 3, 1912.

6-SHEETSSHEET a.

Patented Feb, 9,

Mm .w F O O W. P. TROTTER.

MININGMAGHINE.

APPLICATION I'ILED SEPT. 12, 1907. RENEWED FEB. a, 1912.

1 1 mfigga wanted Feb. 9, 1915.

6 8HEETS-SHEET nsnrnn snares Parr.

:l KCE.

' WALTER F. TROTTER, OF CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENIS, TO THE JEFFREY MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

. MINING-MACHIN E.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 9, 1915.

Application filed September 12, 1807, Serial No. 352,601. Renewed February 3, 1912. Serial No. 675,343.

To all who mv it may concern Bev it known that I, WALTER I 'lnor'rna,

citizen of the United States, residing at Charleston, in the county of Kanawha and State of ll'est Virginia, have invcntcdcertain new and useful Improvements in Minin.g- \lachines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

This invention relates to improvements in mining machines, particularly to side cutting mining machines. It hasbcen proposed heretofore to provide machines of this class with flexible draft devices adapted to propel the machine along the face of the coal and to guide it or hold it to its work. In some cases cables were to be used as the flexible draft and holding members, while there were others in which the functions of propelling and guiding the machine were to he performed by chains in connection with sprocket mcchanislns or the like on the machines adapted to engage positively and rigidly with the chains. In one form of these latter machines, for example, a single continuous chain is provided having one end fixed to an anchor or the like in advance of the machine and its other end fixed to an anchoring device on the rear side of the machine, while intermediate its ends the chain passes over sprocket drive mechanisms on the machine.

My invention contemplates, in its 'preferred form, the use of cables for propelling and guiding the machine and is intended to provide a machine in which are overcome 4 are enlarged sections on the line H,

Fig. 1, showing the operating mechanism and cutter frame, respectively; Fig. 5 is an enlarged section on. the line 5 5, Fig. l; 6 is an enlar ed section on the line 6-8, Fig. 3.;

'5 a plan view of the on the line 88, Fig. 7, the adjustable jack being removed; Fig. 9 is a view partly in elevation and partly in section of the jack stand and jack; Fig. 10 is a plan view on a smaller scale showing the mining machine arranged to feed transversely to the-coal face at the beginning of a cut; Fig. 11 is a plan view on a smaller scale showing the mining machine and its operating parts arranged to feed laterally along the coal face; Fig. 12 is an enlarged side elevation, and Fig. 13 is an enlarged central vertical section of the guide cable reel.

For the purpose of illustration I have shown in the drawing a mining machine of which "A indicates the main frame as an en tircty, B the cutting apparatus extending from the inner end thereof and supported thereby, C the feeding'and guiding mechaauxiliary parts employed when it is desired to have the cutting apparatus advanced into the coal transversely to the face thereof.

The main frame may be of any suitable construction as far as some features of my invention are concerned. but. for reasons which will later appear, I prefer a construction of the character shown. This construction comprises a shoe l-adapted to rest upon the around with freedom to slide freely in all directions. longitudinally arranged angle bars or plates 2, 2 secured to said shoe at either side thereof and a suitable platform 3 resting upon and secured to said longitudinal side bars. 4. 4 are Webs or plates depending from the platform 3 and carrying at their lower ends the laterally turned longitudinally extending cutting apparatus guides 5. 5. The main frame thus constructed constitutes a box which is closed on all sides except the inner and outer ends.

It will be observed on reference to Figs.

3 and ti: that the platform 3 extends at' its ,vouter end beyond the bottom plate or shoe .1 and that the side plates are correspondingly cut away. In other words, the outer frame overhangs considerablyvi a The cutting apparatus comprises. a longitudinally arranged horizontally disposed base plate (5, two longitudinally arranged horizontally disposed guide plates 7, above said'base plate and spaced therefrom by the longitudinally arranged bars 8 so as to form a chain guide or recess 9, the parts just retop bars 7., 7 of the chain frame.

The motor D is suitably secured upon the platform 3 with its armature shaft 13 arranged longitudinally of the machine.

14 is a longitudinally arranged shaft,

preferably having its axis in the vertical 15 is a spur gear rigidlv secured to the.

, .shaft 1-1 and meshing with a pinionltl se lap cured to the inner end .of the armature shaft 13. I

17 is a bevel pinion loosely mounted on the shaft 1 near the outer end thereof.

18 indicates a positive clutch interposed between thsaid shaft 14 and the bevel pinion l7, the longitudinally stationary element 18 of said. clutch being secured to the said bevel pinion and the longitudinally movable element 18 being applied to the-shaft.

18 indicates suitable mechanism for moving the element 18 of the clutch in either direction.

19 is a vertically disposed shaft suitably mounted in bearings carried by the main frame of the machine and having" its axis in the v ntical plane containing," the axis of the shaft 14.

.20 is a bevel gear secured to the upper end of the said vertical shaft and in mesh with the bevel pinion l7.

9. is a sprocket drive wheel rigidly secured to the lower end of the vertical shaft 19.

. 29 indicates as an entiretv an endless cut- .ter chain or carrier extending around the sprocket drive wheel 2i and the inner sprocket 11 carried by the cutter frame. it being; arranged at either side within the guidesfi of the said cutter frame and carryinn laterally extending: cutters 23 of any suitable ekhistruction. The cutter frame is supportfi from the main frame by the longitudinally arranged slides or guides. 5 deto fit snugly between the base plate and the upper plate, of the chain frame. The main frame and the chain frame are normally held from longitudinal movement relative to each other by mechanism indicated as an entirety by 2a, which also serves as an adjusting means for moving the frames relative to eachother to vary the tension upon the cutter chain. The adjusting mechanism 24; comprises a longitudinally arranged screw-threaded shaft 2% mounted near its inner end in a bearing in a depending plate 25' which is secured to the inner end of the main frame platform 3. Near its outer end it is fitted into a threaded nut 26 which is arranged between uprights or projections 27, 27 carried by the base plate 6. The inner end of this shaft is squared as indicated at 24" to receive a suitable wrench for turning the shaft in either direction'so as to extend the chain frame relative to'the main frame or to force it in the opposite direction relatively thereto, as desired.

28 is a worm gear rigidly secured to the longitudinally arranged shaft'let near the inner end thereof and between the bearing standard 14- and the gear wheel 15 secured to the said shaft.

29 is a shaft arranged beneath the said shaft 14 and transversely of the main frame. It is suitably mounted in a bearing 29 secured to the platform of the said frame.

3 is a worm wheel securedto the inside end the sa-id'transverse shaft 28) and in mesh with the worm 28 on the shaft 14.

l 31 is awvorm rigidly secured to the outside end of the shaft 20.

is a longitudinally arranged shaft mounted near either end of the bearings 32. 32, carried by bearing standards 1 1 and pending from the main frame and arranged 32, the latter being arranged parallel to the outer end of the shaft 32 and in mesh with the worm 31 on the transverse shaft 29.

34- is a spur gear loosely mounted upon the shaft 3), adjacent to the bearing standard 14*. and is a gear wheel of greater di ameter than the gear wheel 34- and loosely mounted upon the said shaft 32 adjacent to the bearing standard 32".

36 indicates as an entirety clutch mechanism for alternately connecting the gears. 34

and 85 to the shaft 32. Of this clutch mech anism 36" indicates a longitudinally movable element splined to, the shaft 82 and carrying at one end clutch jaws 36 adapted to engage clutch jaws 36 secured to the gear menses wheel 35 and at its other end clutch jaws 36 adapted to engage with the clutch jaws 36 carried by the gear wheel 34:.

37 indicates as an entirety suitable mechanism for shifting the movable element 36 of the clutch in either direction at will.

38 is a longitudinally arranged drum shaft suitably mounted near either end in bearings 38, 38 in the bearing standards 14 and 38 respectively. The axis of this shaft is on the opposite side of the vertical plane containing the axis of the shaft 14 from the axis of the shaft 32.

39 is a gear wheel rigidly secured to the shaft 38 near one end thereof and in mesh with the gear wheel 34 on the shaft 32, and 40 is a gear wheel of smaller diameter than the gear Wheel 39 and rigidly secured near the opposite end of the shaft 38 and in mesh with the gear wheel 35 on the shaft 32.

4:1 is a cable Winding drum loosely mounted on the shaft 38 and preferably adjacent to the gear wheel 40 at the inner end thereof. The periphery of the cable drum may be spirally grooved as indicated at 41 to assist in the spooling upon it of-a draft cable M which has one end suitably fastened to said drum. The drum is pref erably connected to the shaft 38 by means of a friction clutch 41, one element of which is a ring or casing 41 carried by the drum and extending outwardly therefrom, and the other element of which is a pulley or ring 41 having its rim radially slotted at 41 -41, as indicated.

al are adjustable Wedges 0r expanders arranged between the sections of the rim at said slots and adapted to force the periphery of the rim into engagement with the inner walls of the ring ll in the well-known manner. By varying the adjustment of the expanders the clutch can be made to slip when the resistance to the rotation of the winding drum reaches any given amount.

43 is a pulley or sheave arranged to receive and guide the cable 44 as it is wound upon or is paid out from the drum 41.

42 is a bearing bracket secured to the side plate 2 adjacent to the drum 41.

42 is a longitudinally arranged shaft suitably supported by the laterally extending arm 4:2 of the said bracket.

43 is an idler pulley on the shaft 42. \Vhen the ,machine is in operation and is being advanced along the coal, this pulley guides the cable while it is being wound upon the drum.

When the machine is in operation it is advanced-along the face of the coal by tension in the draft cable 44 due to the rotation of the drum 41. Under the action of this forwa d draft, the outer end of the machine tends to swing forward relative .to the cutter frame because of the resistance which the coal offers to the advance of the cutters. To

ally easily started at a free face,

sheave 53 on the outer rear corner of the frame and thence it is carried to a stationary holder behind the machine. As shown, this stationary holder consists of a winding drum or reel a6 mounted on a base l7 which is adapted to be secured in position by any suitable post or screw jack at as. The base 47 has standards 47, 47 which carry a shaft 46 upon which the reel is rotatably mounted. On one side of the reel is a flange with ratchet teeth 4:6, and a pawl lever L6 constitutes means for manually turning the reel to wind up on cable A detent 417* normally prevents the rec l. from unwinding, but

can readily be disengaged to permit an unwinding of the cable 56.

1th the cable 56 arranged as described,

and as shown in Fig. 11, it is clearly adapt-- ed to prevent the outer end of the machine from swinging forward because of the reaction of the coal, as above referred to, and to maintain the machine at a given angle to the face of the coal as the undercutting proceeds. At thesame time. if it is desired to change the angle of the machine, this can readily be done by means of the winding reel. 46, for by turning the reel so as to pay out the cable 56. the outer end of the machine will be allowed to swing forward correspondingly, and by turning the reel in the opposite direction, so as to shorten the cable 56, the outer end of the machine will be swung correspondingly rearward.

In longwall mining an undercut is usubut in room and pillar work an entering or sumping cut must be made in order to get the cutting apparatus under the coal5 this entering out being made adjacent one or the other of the ribs constituting the side walls of the room. With my improved machine the sumping cut is made by feeding the machine longitudinally forward so as to project the cutting apparatus into the coal in a manner like that in which breast mining machines are operated. For this purpose I have deised the combined jack and cutter mecha nism guide E illustrated in Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10.

5a is a base plate of the said jack stand 1 them a shaft or pivot 56 with its axis ar ranged longitudinally ofthe base plate.

57 indicates the jack roper comprising a shank or bar 57 forkec at its lower end as indicated at 57, the ends of each arm of said fork being recessedas indicated at 57 to fit over one of the shafts 56 on the base plate. The upper end of the jack shank is screw threaded at 57 to receive a screw threaded hand adjusting wheel 58.

59 is a pointed head for the jack swiveled im the upper end of the jack 5?" and hearing against the upper face of the hub of the wheel 58 by means ofwhich it is adjusted longitudinally of the shank.

5% is an arm or plate extending laterally from the base plate 54 and carrying the upright bracket 54: which at its upper end is bifurcated as indicated at 54 to receive one end of a swinging arm 60, which is pivotally connected to the uprights 54 by means of a bolt At its free end the arm 60 has pivotally connected to and depending from'it a slide (51 which is longitudinally grooved at either side to receive theadjacent longitudinal guide bars 12 on the chain frame. These guide bars 12* are rigidly secured in position by means of bolts 12?] screw-threaded into inwardly projecting lugs 12 carried by the base plate 6 of the chain frame. The slide ()1 may be introduced into position iii ithin the said top plate at the ends of the guides 12 adjacent the main frame. The slidable connection between the slide (El and the outer frame permits the longitudinal movement of the cutter-frame relative to the slide while tend ingr to prevent the lateral movement in either direction of the cutter frame relative to the base plate It will. thus be seen that when the jack stand is securely fastoned in position by means of the jack 57,

the cutter frame may be caused to-travel forward in av substantially straight line. When the slide (31 reaches-the ends of its guides 12 it may be swung upwardly out of the path of travel of the cutter frame.

To operate the machine for room and pillar worl; it is unloaded at the corner of the room where it is desired to begin the out and with the end of the-cutter frame closely adjacent to the face of the coal. The combined jack and cutter frame guide E is then clamped securely in position 'on the left ha nd side of the cutter frame near the end thereof, as indicated in Fig. 10, the slide (51 ha ring been introduced into its guide in the top plate of the said frame. The cable 44 is next carried inward from the drum ll along: the side of the machine to the inner end of the jack frame and pirotally connected thereto, as indicated at 62, a suitable idler guide 63 serving-to direct the course of the man-see cable from the drum toward the said jack stand. This idler guide 68 is mounted on a journal 64 carried by a U-shaped bracket 65 which is pivotally mounted'on a loi'igitudinal shaft 66 carried by lugs 67, 6?, projecting laterally from the main frame. The li shaped bracket 65 has alaterally extending lug or projection 65, which is adapted to engage with the platform of the main frame to limit the inward travel of the bracket 65 about the axis of the shaft 66, as indicated L in Fig. (3. The bracket 65 may be readily detached by removing the shaft 66, whenever it is not desired to use the idler guide (33. .The motor having been started, the cut ting apparatus and the slow-feed gearing of the winding drum are thenconnectcd to the motor by clutches 1'8 and 36 "respectively. The drum 41 winds up on the cable and pulls the main frame of the machine toward the coal face, the cutting apparatus simultaneous undercutting the coal. The cutter .frai'ne guiding mechanism tends to insur that the cutting apparatus will be moved inward in a substantially straightline. l hen the slide 61 reaches the ends ofthe guides 12 it is withdrawn therefrom and the ma chine will feed inward. if necessary without further guiding. The sumping out having been completed, the machine is stopped, the" guide jack E and the idler guide '63 removed, the feed cable 44- extended to the far rib and secured -to an anchor or jack 52. The winding reel 46, with the cable 56 there on, is then secured in position adjacent the rib at which the cut is started, and the loose end of said cable iscarried around gal e sheaves. 53 and 53 on the machine frame and thence forward along the coal face to the distant rib where it is fastened to (the jack 45. See Fig. 11, The motor is now started and clutches l8 and 86 closed so as to drire the cutters and the winding drum.

ll. Ordinarily, the winding drum is drifen through the slow speed gearing when'the cutters are at work, the high speed gearing being used when the propelling cable is employed to more the machine about in the room. The rotation of the winding drum 4-1 creates tension in the cable 44, tending to advanc the machine along the face of the coal. Under the action of the draft of the cable H and the resistance which. the coal offers to thr cutters, the outer end of the machine tends to swing forward relative to the inner end. but this is resisted the guiding cable 56. This will bcreadily understood from an inspecction of Fig. 11, for it will be seen that the outer end of the machine'cannot swing forward unless that part of the cable 56 extending between the guide sheave 53 and the stationary winding reel all is in some way lengthened. In other words. as

tion of the draft in the propelling cable 44; and the reaction of the coal on the cutters, is caused to advance at a fixed angle to the face of the coal.

At the same time, it is possible to readily change the angle of the machine to the face of the coal whenever this is desirable to meet varying conditions of the material being cut, of the floor of the mine, etc. Thus, if it is desired to angle the outer end of the machine rearward, the ratchet lever 46" can be actuated to rotate the drum 46 in the direction to wind up the cable 56, thus drawing the outer end of the machine rearward. Such a movement of the outer end of the machine can, of course, be effected with the least eii'ort if the motor is stopped, or the driving clutch 36 opened, so as to ease the tension in the propelling cable. On the other hand, if it is desired to angle the outer end of the machine forward relative to the inner end, this can be done by disengaging the detent 47 and permitting the reel d6 to turn so as to pay out the cable 56, thus lengthening that part of the cable 56 extending between the guide sheave 53 and the reel 46 and permitting the outer end of the machine to swing forward correspondingly.

I have referred above to the propelling and guiding mechanism as adapted to maintain the machine at a given angle to the face. Under some conditions, however, as for example, when impurities of great density and hardness are encountered by the cutters, it is desirable that the machine have greater flexibility in its movements. When the cuttcrs meet abnormally great resistance, there is danger of breakage of some part or parts of the machine if the mechanism is such that an unvaryi'ng movement of the machine is necessary regardless of the resistance en countered.

In the case of my improved machine the propelling reel 41 is driven from the motor through the friction clutch l1 which can be set to slip when the'tension in the draft cable l-t reaches any amount determined upon. Therefore, when the cutters encountcr an abnormally high resistance due to hard impurities or the like, such increased resistz.:11(:e, if sullicientlv great, will result in. slippage between the parts of the friction clutch 4.1 so that the winding reel ll l; driven at a slower speed. Thus, the advance of the machine is retarded and the cutters are given an opportunity to cut through the harder material.

in all of: the advancing and swinging movements of the machine it is free to slide in any direction over the finer pl. the mine. and in usual practice this fi'ec movement of the machine facil tated by the use of flat lnkids. These skids,'which are in the form n.fl'f thin izietal plates a few inches wide, are

laid upon the floor of the mine in the direction of the machines advance and, by affording a hard smooth surface for the main frame, greatly facilitate the movement of the machine.

It will be understood that the friction clutch 41 can be set to give way under any stress within a reasonable range so that the machine can be made to cut through minorimpurities or hard streaks without slippage occurring. In some deposits of coal, impurities are encountered which are of such great density and hardness or so extensive that it is not desirable to attempt to cut through them, even at the reduced speed permitted by the slippage of the clutch il. In some such cases it is possible to carry the undercut over or under the obstruction, and my'improved machine is well adapted to workunder such conditions. Thus, if a roll is encountered it maybe found possible to back the machine off along the face to a suitable distance from the obstruction and then by blocking up the skids, which, as previously noted, are commonly used with such machines, the cutters may beguided in an upwardly inclined path over the obstruction and then gradually downward again to the normal level.

Reference has already been made to the box-like construction of the main frame of the machine. This I regard as a feature of much practical importance. During the cutting operation the fine coal or slack which is formed is dragged out of the kerf by the cutters and must be handled or disposed of in such a way as not to clog or interfere with the cutters or other working parts of the machine. In my improved construction this fine coal is drawn into and outward through the box-like bed'frame to the outer end of the machine by the cutters. There as the cutter chain rounds the driving sprocket Wheel, the fine material falls either quite clear of the machine as it advances, or, if it is not deliver ventirely clear of the machine, it is possible for the machine runner or his helper to readily shovel it away because the cutting away of the side plates of the frame at the outer end thereof leaves a free space adjacent the driving sprocket wheel and beneath the upper platform part of the frame which permits ready and effective use of the shovel for the purpose stated. Furthermore, it will be observed that with the exception of the cutters and the sprocket wheel'which drives them, all

the cutters tree of the machine. In this connection it will beobserved that practically all of the gears, ,shaftsand clutches constituting the driving mechanism are grouped compactly together on one part of the frame platform while the motor occupies another part. This arrangement of the motor and the driving gearing grcatlyiacilitates the complete protcction of the gearing froin dust because it makes it possible to inclose the gearing by'mea-ns' of a simple protecting casing.

in the foregoing description oi the operation of the machine its use in .room and pillar mining was considered. Itwill be obvious Without further detailed description that the operation in making an under-cut along the face would be essentially the same in longwall mining. Ordinarily, in

longwall mining it is not necessary to make 4 an entering or sumpin'g cut because the cut the transverse shaft 29, the inside end of- Which latter shaft is fittedintoa recess 68 in the inside end of the shaft 68.

v(59 is a positive clutch one element of which 69 is secured to the shaft 29 and the other element 69? is-carricd by the inside end of the shaft 68. The-shaft 68 is suitably supported on a bearing 70 secured to the main frame.

73. is a' sprocket wheel rigidly secured to the outside end of the shaft ('58 and adapted to be connected with the propelling mechanism on the mining'machine truck. When not required in use the shaft 68 may be removed from the machine by drawing it longitudinally out from the bearing 70.

iii)

it will be observed that the guide cable tit loosely engages the guide sheaves-53, 53,

and can readily be disengaged from the machine frame. Also, the Winding reel 416 and the base upon which it is mounted are separate from the machine frame. Thereiiere, irhen'the machine is to be moved about the room, the cable 56 can be disengaged from the guide sheaves and wound comactly upon the reel dilleaving the machine rec and unincu nbercd, so that it can readily he dragged'over the door by means of the winding reel 41 and its cable 44:. In the case oi prior machines in Which loose ended chains or cables are employed, considerable v iriconvenicnce has been expert enced in handling the machines under the conditions now referred to on account of disposed with respect to another toward f stations thecumbersome nature of the loose or cables.

' of construction, the-claims herein relating tothe construction and arrangement of the parts by which .the machine is propelled and guided or adjusted in its positions relative to the coal and relative to its line of travel. What I claim iei 1. In a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, cutting apparatus carried thereby, a Winding reel on the frame, a cable on the reel for propelling the machine when it is in operation and adapted to be fastened to a stationary holder inadvance thereo'f, guiding mechanism comprising a second cable adapted tobe anchored in advance oi the machine, a plurality of guide sheaves on the frame over which the end cable passes, one of-said sheaves outer end of the frame, and a elative stationary take-up mechanism to which the guide cable is secured;

2. In a mining machine, the combination with a mainframe and cutting apparatus carried thereby, said frame being adapted to move laterally parallel to the face of th coal being out While the cutting apparatus moves laterally under the cool, o a Winch ing reel mounted on the frame adjacent to the coal face, a propelling cable connected to the said reel on the frameandadapted to be secured to ans-tationar holder in advance of the machine, a second cable independent. of the said propelling cable has ing one end normally secured to a stationary holder 1n front of the machine, a plurality of guiding sheaves on the frame over which the' second cable passes, one of said sheaves being disposed with respect to an other toward the outer end oi" the frame, and a. Winding reel secured stationarily behind the machine, to which reel one end of the guide cable is secured. i

In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, and cutting apparatus carried thereby, said frame being adapted to be moved laterally along the face of the coal to be cutand the cutting apparatus to move late-rally therewith While under the coal, of a winding reel mounted onthe inner end of the frame, a propelling cable secured to said reel and. adapted to be extended thence forward to a stationary holder, a motor disposed 4 reel, a guiding or alining cable independent of the said propelling cable sanitized he: Qt

chains n the outer side of the said guide sheave for said on the inner end of tie frame, a second stationary holder in' front of the machine, uide cable mounted guide sheave for said guide cable mountedon the frame toward the outer end thereof with respectto the first named sheave, and a winding reel for aril y mounted separate from the frame.

4 In a mining machine, the combination of a n ain frame, cutting apparatus carried thereby, a winding reel onthe frame, a

cable on the reel for propelling the machine when it is in operation and adapted to be fastened to a stationary holder in advance thereof, guiding mechanism comprising a second cable independent of the said propelling cable and adapted to be anchored in advance of the machine, a plurality of guide sheaves on the frame over which the guide cable passes, take-up mechanism to which theguide cable is secured.

In a mining machine, the combination a main frame, cutting apparatus carried thereby, a winding reel on the frame, a cable n the reel for moving the machine along the face of the coal and'adapted to be fastened to a stationary holder in advance of the machine, guiding mechanism comprising a second cable stretched along the face of the and having one of its ends anchored at one side and its other end anchored at the other side of the machine, and a plurality of guide sheaves on the machine over which the second cable passes, one of said sheaves being disposed withlrespect to another toward the outer endof the frame.

6. In a mining machine, the combination a main frame, cutting apparatus extendfrom the inner end thereof, a. winding on the fram'e, a cable secured at one a sa.id reel and adapted to have its r end fastened to a stationary holder in ncc of the machine to propel it along .wce of the coal, means for retarding the tcr end of the frame'c iomprising a, cable dependent of the said propelling cable,

d m..nually controlled means associated th the last named cable and separate from the machine fraiiie for' positively swinging the machine to varipus angles to the face of the coal in one direction. v

'2'. In a mining machine, the combination a main frame, cutting apparatus extendfrom the inner end thereof, a winding a cablesecured at one reel on the frame,

end to said reel and adapted to have its the guide cable station-' and a relatively stationary the second cable' engages,

of the said propelling cable,

other end fastened to a stationary holder in advance of the machine to feed it along the face of the coal, a second cableindependent 69 of the feeding cable extending along the face of the coal and arranged to exert a rearward draft on the outer end of the machine frame, stationary securing means at the rear end of said second cable for sustaining the draft thereof, and means for lengthening or shortening that portion of the last named cable which lies between its point of draft on the machine frame and the said statietiary securing means.

81111 a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, cutting apparatus extending from the inner end thereof, a Winding reel on the frame, a cable secured at one end to said reel and adapted to haveits other end fastened to a stationary holder in ad vanceot the machine to propel it along the face tliecoal, and means for guiding the machine comprising a second cable independent of the, propelling cable and adapted 8 to extend along the face of the coal, guide devices on the machine frame with which and a winding reel for said guide cable by which the cable can be drawn to positively angle the machine in one direction, the last named winding reel being separate from the machine frame, an the guide cable having a loose and readily disengageable engagement with its guide devices on the machine frame, whereby the winding reel'and guide cable can readily be disconnected from the machine frame;

9. In a mining machine, the combination of a main frame, cutting apparatus extending from the inner end thereof, a winding reel on the frame, atcable secured at one end to said reel and adapted to have its other I 'end fastened to a stationary holder in advance of the machine to propel it along the coal face, means for retarding the outerend 09 of the frame comprising a cable independent and manually controlled means separate from the main frame associated with the last named cable for causing it to hold the machine ateither ofseveral angles to the face 'of the coal while it is being normally propelled by the other aforesaid cable.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature, in presence of two witnesses.

. WALTER F. TROTTER. Witnesses F. L. SESSIONS, Q E. \VAxeot-x 

